Workpiece processing plant

Abstract

A workpiece processing plant comprises several machine tools which are arranged in opposite rows. The rows define a free space between each other. A loading and unloading device is provided which comprises a girder above the machine tools and above the free space. Rails are provided on the upper side of the girder. A loading and unloading unit configured as a multiple-axis robot is displaceable along the rails, the loading and unloading unit comprising several arms which are articulated to one another.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A workpiece processing plant comprising
 two opposite rows, each including a plurality of machine tools; 
 wherein the rows define a free space; and 
 which machine tools comprise in each case a loading and unloading position next to the free space; 
 
       a loading and unloading device
 which comprises a girder above the machine tools and above the free space; 
 which comprises rails which are arranged on an upper side of the girder; 
 which comprises a loading and unloading unit which is configured as a multiple-axis robot that is displaceable along the rails; and 
 wherein the loading and unloading unit comprises plural arms which are articulated to one another. 
 
     
     
       2. A workpiece processing plant according to  claim 1 ,
 wherein the free space is configured as a passageway for an operator; 
 wherein a chip conveyor is assigned to each row, respectively, of machine tools; and 
 wherein in the upper region of the free space but below the girder is arranged a drip pan which spans the free space. 
 
     
     
       3. A workpiece processing plant according to  claim 1 , wherein a central chip conveyor for the two rows of machine tools is arranged in the free space. 
     
     
       4. A workpiece processing plant according to  claim 1 ,
 wherein the machine tools are in each case enclosed by means of a respective housing which comprises a hatch for at least two of the arms in a roof area next to the girder. 
 
     
     
       5. A workpiece processing plant according to  claim 1 ,
 wherein the loading and unloading unit comprises a slide which is displaceable along the rails in a displacement direction, wherein the arms, which are articulated to one another, are attached to the slide in such a way as to be movable about a vertical axis of rotation and a horizontal first pivot axis. 
 
     
     
       6. A workpiece processing plant according to  claim 5 ,
 wherein the arms, which are articulated to one another, comprise a first pivot arm which is movably attached to the slide, a second pivot arm which is articulated to the first pivot arm, a rotating arm which is disposed on the second pivot arm and a gripper arm. 
 
     
     
       7. A workpiece processing plant according to  claim 6 ,
 wherein one of the group comprising a gripper and a cleaning head is attachable to the gripper arm in an interchangeable manner. 
 
     
     
       8. A workpiece processing plant according to  claim 7 , wherein a docking station is provided for docking one of the group comprising a gripper and a cleaning head.